The irony of taking a national council meeting to drought-stricken western Queensland to show people support, only to have the reception drinks washed out by rain was not lost on Santa Gertrudis Breeders (Australia) Association president, Scott Ferguson.

The irony of taking a national council meeting to drought-stricken western Queensland to show people support, only to have the reception drinks washed out by rain was not lost on Santa Gertrudis Breeders (Australia) Association president, Scott Ferguson.

Along with seven other councillors from around Australia, he was in Longreach last week for the breed’s general meeting.

Some 35 local members were booked in for the welcome get-together but in the end only six could make it.

“Rain was a good reason for them not to attend,” Scott said, adding that the rain would help the cattle market along enormously.

It’s the third time the council has taken its meeting away from the traditional Royal Easter Show venue in Sydney, in keeping with its policy to alternate with venues in other states.

Of the 12 councillors, four were unable to attend the Longreach meeting, but one of them, Michael Doering, undertook a 4000km round trip from South Australia to take part.

Phillip Hague, Lake Cargelligo, NSW, was another to put in a few driving hours.

While in Longreach, further organisation took place for the Santa Gertrudis presence at Beef Australia 2018 in May, with Scott saying there had been a very good response from members in led and trade sections.

The association is matching any prizemoney won by members at Beef Week in the commercial section, for Santa and Santa cross entries.

Scott said this was an acknowledgement of their effort in taking part.

He said there would be a big increase in Santa Gertrudis numbers at the Sydney Show, and that there had been a positive summary of the 2017 bull sales by members.